Over the last five years, I’ve had the privilege to serve this community through the many activities and positive impacts of the Roncesvalles Village BIA. This past year has demonstrated extraordinary strength, resilience and mutual support among the locals and businesses in our community.

It’s been an honour to serve my community and as I prepare to retire from the BIA, I take comfort in all that I’ve been able to accomplish and leave as my legacy. In particular, the production of the stunning mural at Garden and Roncesvalles with all the Indigenous stories and wisdom that springs from it. It is now the most photographed Roncesvalles image on social media. Mayor Tory anticipated that it would become a destination for Torontonians and other visitors exploring the City.

I was also privileged to support the community gardeners from RoncyWorks that have tended all the sidewalk gardens along Roncesvalles over the years, in partnership with the BIA. They established perennials and pollinator plants, while adapting the gardens to the changing conditions as the trees within them matured and the summers grew hotter. A shout out goes to the crews from Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprise who did their best to water the gardens under difficult conditions. I am also grateful to the community partners and Friends of the Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, whose diligence at the BIA’s north end garnered an award from the International Downtown Association.

I anticipate the best from the RVBIA Board that will soon include six new members nominated since June and from the experienced new manager who will join this BIA in February. I thank everyone who has contributed their energies to making Roncesvalles Village and our main street a better place. I will continue to cherish and support my community as a dedicated resident and look forward to enjoying the great things that the RVBIA will manifest.

See you on Roncy!

Veronica Feihl
Executive Director, RVBIA